I'm supposed to have a phone with NFC, but after holding it to a tag it doesn't work
To communicate via NFC you need to unlock the phone; NFC is active only when the display is unlocked and switched on. In addition, on some phones the NFC chip is turned off in the settings and needs to be enabled. On Android, look for it under the Mobile and Wireless networks settings.
How much energy does NFC consume?
The chip is active only when the display is unlocked and switched on. The field that NFC uses for communication is very small, so the consumption of the NFC chip in a phone is comparable, for example, to a small indicator LED.
What is the difference between an NFC label and an NFC tag?
The difference between an NFC tag and an NFC label is usually visual. While an NFC tag serves as a physical device for storing data or identifying people and things, and given its technical use no requirements are placed on its design, an NFC label by contrast places emphasis on graphic presentation.
The NFC tags in our range are mostly white or transparent and intended for your own printing or for hidden installation. NFC labels, unlike NFC tags, are available in many colour variants, with various motifs and icons, or, on request, printed with the customer's motif (for example a logo, company graphics, etc.).
In both cases various versions of the chips are available, and therefore also various properties of the NFC label or tag.
What is an NFC tag?
Near Field Communication (NFC) is a wireless technology that ensures the transfer of data (e.g. web addresses, text or numbers) between two NFC devices. An NFC tag is something like a small device; at its core it is a microchip and an antenna attached to the chip. The microchip contains a certain amount of free memory, and the antenna is able to ensure the transfer of data from one NFC device to another (e.g. to a mobile phone).
What data can I have stored on an NFC tag?
There is a whole range of different types of data that you can store on an NFC tag. The specific amount of data an NFC tag is able to hold varies depending on the particular NFC tag. Different kinds of NFC tags have different amounts of memory. In general, however, with no NFC tag should there be a problem storing a web address (URL) or a phone number. The larger the memory, the greater the possibilities.
Usually the data is stored in the NDEF (NFC Data Exchange Format) format. This format should be readable by most devices and mobile phones.
Can someone overwrite or erase my NFC tag?
NFC tags can be modified in such a way that, after data is written, it is not possible to overwrite or erase that data in any way or to unlock the tag for writing. This kind of modification is called locking and has nothing to do with uploading content. The number of times data in an NFC tag can be overwritten is not limited and is possible until the tag is locked. After that it can no longer be overwritten or erased.
How can I upload content to an NFC tag?
Encoding a small number of tags can easily be done using a mobile phone that supports NFC technology. If the phone runs the Android operating system, you just need to download for free, for example, the Tag Writer application from NXP. If a large number of tags needs to be encoded, we recommend using the services of a specialised provider. Custom encoding of NFC tags is also provided by the NFCmix.com shop.
Are batteries needed? If so, what kind are they?
No, batteries are not needed. NFC tags are charged by induction transmitted from an active NFC device, for example a mobile phone.
How close must the near fields (Near Field) be for data transfer to work?
NFC tags normally work at a distance of 0-6 cm. This short distance makes NFC tags ideal for transferring sensitive information and ensures that no "accidental" and unwanted reading of data by an unauthorised person occurs.
What are the dimensions of NFC tags?
Most of the NFC tags in our range are round in shape and have a diameter of 25 to 38 mm. In general it can be said that this is the ideal size for an NFC tag. In some cases smaller tags may also be suitable, but the smaller the tag, the harder it may be to read.
Can I stick an NFC tag onto a metal surface?
If you need to place an NFC tag on a metal surface, you need to buy a special tag designed for this purpose. These tags contain an insulating ferrite layer as a backing, which shields the tag from the metal substrate that would otherwise disrupt its correct function.